Thermal sensitivity and niche plasticity of generalist and specialist leaf-endophytic bacteria in Mangrove Kandelia obovata.

ABSTRACT: Leaf endospheres harbor diverse bacterial communities, comprising generalists and specialists, that profoundly affect ecosystem functions. However, the ecological dynamics of generalist and specialist leaf-endophytic bacteria and their responses to climate change remain poorly understood. We investigated the diversity and environmental responses of generalist and specialist bacteria within the leaf endosphere of mangroves across China. Our findings show a predominance of specialists in the mangrove leaf endosphere. Temperature is the key factor driving community dissimilarity in both groups, yet it negatively influences the alpha diversity. Soil nutritional factors, particularly phosphate for generalists and total organic carbon for specialists are critical in shaping the functional profil

SUBMITTER: Nethmini RT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11699152 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature